Troy Hill's roots reach back to the mid-1800s, when it was settled by German immigrants who toiled in the tanneries, breweries and mills in the flats along the Allegheny River. Workers and their bosses left behind lots of century-old row houses and Victorians, some of which have been restored. But what if you want a new house without the maintenance headaches? There's something for you, too, thanks to Troy Hill Citizens, Inc.
These two-story homes at 1732 and 1736 Cowley St. (MLS Nos. 734519 and 734522) are the first phase of a six-home development called Cowley Hilltop. They're priced at $135,000 through Dorrie Smith-Richie of Coldwell Banker's North Hills office (www. pittsburghmoves.com; 412-366-1600, ext. 528.)
The houses, which were designed by Henry Hanson of Hanson Design Group and built by Steve Catranel Construction, have brick fronts, decorative dormers and lots of windows to fit into this North Side historic district, but inside, the houses are completely contemporary.
Bright and airy, each has a first-floor powder room, a roomy kitchen with dark wood cabinets and laminate countertops and three carpeted bedrooms, including a 19-by-12-foot master bedroom with walk-in closet. They also have central air conditioning, full basements and large backyards accessed by a sliding glass door. Parking is provided in a detached garage at the rear of the house.
The landscaped properties are on a side street just a stone's throw from woods that mark the start of Reserve.
"People are always surprised by how quiet and private this little community can be," Ms. Smith-Richie said.
Adding to the homes' appeal are the tax abatements. Owners pay no property taxes, state personal income tax or local wage tax for the first three years. Buyers who meet income requirements also qualify for a second mortgage of up to $45,000 through the Urban Redevelopment Authority that is not paid back until the property is resold or refinanced.
The houses are not assessed yet, but another new one sold in June for its full asking price of $135,000. Three other properties have changed hands on Cowley Street over the past three years ranging in price from $27,600 to $62,000, both in 2005 (www.realstats.net).
Troy Hill (www.city.pittsburgh.pa.us/district1/) is part of Pittsburgh Public Schools (www.pps.k12.pa.us).
21ST WARD/MANCHESTER
20072008SALES4844MEDIAN PRICE$80,000$68,000HIGHEST PRICE$238,000$360,000
22ND WARD/NORTH SHORE
20072008SALES4747MEDIAN PRICE$115,000$150,000HIGHEST PRICE$437,500$361,000
23RD WARD/EAST ALLEGHENY
20072008SALES5537MEDIAN PRICE$26,730$40,000HIGHEST PRICE$237,000$229,500
24TH WARD/TROY HILL
20072008SALES10396MEDIAN PRICE$28,200$32,200HIGHEST PRICE$460,000$512,500
25TH WARD/CENTRAL NORTH SIDE
20072008SALES10693MEDIAN PRICE$22,900$36,000HIGHEST PRICE$290,000$625,000
26TH WARD/PERRY HILLTOP
20072008SALES270209MEDIAN PRICE$34,000$47,900HIGHEST PRICE$215,000$250,000
27TH WARD/BRIGHTON HEIGHTS
20072008SALES336257MEDIAN PRICE$63,000$44,850HIGHEST PRICE$225,000$177,000
BELLEVUE
20072008SALES10698MEDIAN PRICE$85,500$80,000HIGHEST PRICE$157,000$230,000
BEN AVON
20072008SALES3839MEDIAN PRICE$146,500$186,200HIGHEST PRICE$612,000$355,000
BEN AVON HEIGHTS
20072008SALES94MEDIAN PRICE$210,000$290,000HIGHEST PRICE$575,000$530,000
AVALON
20072008SALES9175MEDIAN PRICE$80,000$74,900HIGHEST PRICE$311,115$168,000
First Published: August 2, 2008, 8:00 a.m.
